Our dear friend, Dr. Theo van Rijn passed away on August 26th after living with ALS for the last part of his life. Theo was a talented and gifted educator, physician, artist and athlete and he was a dear friend and colleague to many of us at CONNECT and throughout the brain injury and rehab communities in Canada.
Theo was one of a kind and will forever be in our hearts and thoughts. He has left a legacy that is far reaching and as part of that legacy many photographs and poems. As a tribute to Dr. van Rijn we have Included here one of his many fabulous photographs. Theo wrote this poem, The Journey and the Destination, to be released after his passing. Simply beautiful and brilliant.
The boat has docked and
Its passengers have embarked.
While it has been a long journey,
The passage will be short.
I look for familiar faces and
See many on the other shore.
I am at peace, knowing
I have lived well.
The silence is comforting.
As the wind blows us closer
There is no need for sails.
Light and darkness
Coexist without separation,
As was in the beginning,
Is now and ever shall be.